Beat-a-Leaf Journal

This project combines your kids' most primal gathering instincts with another activity they love: banging rocks. Although the name sounds decidedly un-eco-friendly, leaf-beating is a favorite with the thousands of kids who take part in the naturalist programs run by the Appalachian Mountain Club in New Hampshire's White Mountains. Put the finished print on the cover of a blank notebook, and your kids have a journal for recording their juiciest summer adventures.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
Leaves, wooden board, small square of muslin, thumbtacks, a flat, smooth, palm-size rock or small hammer, blank journal, glue and twine, ribbon or colored paper.

HOW IT'S DONE:
After selecting a leaf or two, lay them on the board (put a piece of paper on the board first if you don't want to stain it). Place the piece of muslin on top, tacking the fabric down at the corners so it won't shift. Using the rock or hammer, beat the fabric carefully but with consistent, even force. Lift up the fabric, and the leaf will have left its image in green. Glue the muslin square to the front cover of the blank book. To cover the fabric's edges, glue on a border of twine, flat ribbon or colored paper.

CAMP CRAFTER'S TIP:
In addition to leaf-print journals, your kids can bang out fabric bookmarks, small pillows stuffed with potpourri, stationery or botanical wall hangings. Wide, flat leaves make the clearest prints, but experiment with all kinds (staying away from any plants with leaves of three) or even flower blossoms.